Why Attempting a DIY Website Is a False Economy

When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to think, “I’ll just build my own website.”

‍After all, how hard can it be? There are plenty of drag-and-drop builders promising beautiful sites in minutes - and it might even sound like a fun, creative project.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most DIY websites cost far more in the long run than they save upfront. I’ve had plenty of clients come to me after trying it themselves - frustrated, disheartened, and ready to start again properly.

Let’s break down why DIY websites rarely deliver what your business actually needs.

1. They Don’t Get Found on Google

This is the single biggest problem. Unless you’re a web professional, you simply won’t know what’s required to rank well on Google.

DIY websites usually lack the SEO foundations that help your site appear in search results:

• Structured data (JSON schema)
• Optimised meta titles and meta descriptions
• Proper heading hierarchy
• Keyword-focused, well-structured page content
• ALT-text for accessibility and SEO
• Backlink strategy
• Fast-loading, clean-coded pages

And an even harsher truth?
DIY website builders produce bloated code, oversized images, and painfully slow load times. Google notices - and penalises you for it. So yes, you could build your own site on the cheap, but what’s the point if no one ever finds it?

2. They Look Unprofessional

Like it or not, people judge your business by its website. A homemade website nearly always looks, well, homemade - and those subtle visual cues instantly undermine trust.

Common DIY design issues include:

• Clashing or excessive colour use
• Inconsistent use of fonts and poor text hierarchy
• Overcrowded or broken page layouts
• Pixelated or stretched images

Your visitors may not consciously spot these mistakes, but they’ll feel them. And when something feels “off”, they quietly click away - long before you’ve had a chance to win them over.

3. The Messaging Misses the Mark

Even if your site looks half-decent, most DIY websites fall flat when it comes to messaging.

I often ask prospects to explain their business out loud - and they do it brilliantly. But when I look at their old website, that same clarity and conviction are nowhere to be found. That’s because writing for the web is a skill. Your message needs to follow a logical, psychologically sound structure (known as the path to conversion), guiding visitors from awareness to action.

DIY websites typically:

• Fail to communicate a clear value proposition
• Don’t explain why someone should choose you
• Present information in the wrong order
• Ask for a sale or enquiry too soon
• Leave visitors confused, unsure, and unconvinced

Without the right structure and empathy, even the most passionate business owners struggle to connect with their audience online.

The Harsh Reality

A successful website must do three things:

1. Get found on Google.
2. Build trust through professional design.
3. Convert visitors through clear, compelling messaging.

DIY websites rarely achieve any of these. And it’s a tough pill to swallow when you realise that the DIY website you spent weeks producing - the one you think looks great - is failing your business on these three critical levels.